is poised to claim state fencing immortality as she makes her bid for her third consecutive state sabre title.

This weekend will be the first crucial step in that pursuit, as Russo goes for her second District 3 sabre title. Last year, Russo sustained an injury during the competition and finished fourth in the district, still allowing her to qualify for the state individuals. This year she will be the favorite to reclaim her district title, but Wayne Hills' Alisha Gomez-Shah has other plans. Either way, the competition will be fierce. District 3 has turned out at least three of the top four finishers in the state individuals in each of the last two years.

TEAM TO WATCH

Livingston will play host to the District 3 tournament for the first time on Sunday and will do so as the defending district champion.

The competition in District 3 is intense, with defending state champion Columbia and perennial contender Gov. Livingston in the mix, there is little margin for error for any team wanting to claim the overall title. Livingston has struggled thus far this season, losing to both Columbia and Gov. Livingston, but will have a chance at redemption come Sunday if the team can fence to its potential.

Winning the prestigious District 3 title could turn around Livingston’s season in a day.

The squad to watch this week is Newark Academy's foil line. The foil competition at District 3 will be intense; Livingston, Gov. Livingston, Newark Academy and Columbia all finished in the final “A” pool at this season’s Santelli Tournament. Newark Academy’s foil line of Kasey Iverson, Syndney Persing and Marisa Tomiano represent their team’s best chance at a gold medal at the event. The trio will enter the competition with some powerful momentum after defeating Gov. Livingston’s top-notch foil squad, 5-4, in a meet last week. If Iverson and her linemates can fence to their potential, they could claim the top spot in this elite field.

TOURNAMENTS TO WATCH

The District 1 tournament will be held Saturday at 8 a.m. at Hackettstown High. District 3 will be held Sunday at 8 a.m. at Livingston High. Districts 2 and 4 are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 2.